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MARION HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL HANDBOOK
“Developing CHAMPIONS today; and, preparing LEADERS for tomorrow!”
A. The ultimate goal of our football program is to have the type program the entire
student body and community can be proud of, both on and off the football field. We
expect to build our program with young men who embody character, self-esteem, selfdiscipline, and academic achievement. We will teach good work habits, leadership
skills, teamwork, commitment, and strive to reach our highest potential. We will be
MARION FOOTBALL in mind, body and spirit.
B. TO BE A CHAMPION…
To be a champion, you need to act like a champion. You need to prepare like a
champion. You need to practice like a champion. We expect our players to work like a
“champion” in class, in the weight room, on the football field, and in our community.
Seniors are expected to show tremendous leadership and dedication to each other and
the program. As seniors it is your responsibility to model MARION FOOTBALL, along
with COURAGE, COMMITMENT, LOYALTY, and TRUST. EVERYONE MUST WORK
TOGETHER!
FOOTBALL COACHING PHILOSOPHY
C. COACHING PHILOSOPHY: To create an atmosphere of pride and to teach each player the
importance of attitude, confidence, character, knowledge, goal setting, and how these
factors apply to life as well as football. Our job as coaches is help each player to achieve
their greatest potential.
D. OFFENSIVE PHILOSOPHY: To create an offensive system which has the potential to be
balanced in the running game and passing game. We want to effectively make our
opponents defend the entire football field, and to be multi-dimensional in our attack.
We will be physical in all positions on offense, and be very sound fundamentally.
E. DEFENSIVE PHILOSOPHY: To create a defensive system which is sound against the run
and pass, and effectively be able to adjust to sets, shifts, and motion. We will stress
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running to the football, tackling, proper “alignment to assignment” and collision
football at every position.
F. SPECIAL TEAMS PHILOSOPHY: To create a special team system which our opponents
must practice to be concerned with. We want to develop a sense of pride with our
special teams where our best and most deserving players strive to be part of this
special teams effort. We want our special teams to be a threat every time we line up.
G. PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
a. The Football Staff will coach their respective teams with these covenants in
mind:
b. The philosophy of the TOTAL program comes first. SUPPORT THE ENTIRE
PROGRAM.
c. Support other coaches (in players’ presence, never correct another coach).
d. If differences exist between coaches, GO TO THAT COACH and work them out.
e. Build for the future more so than the present.
f. Stress fundamentals.
g. Everyone should get an opportunity to play in games (7th/8th/9th and
sophomore). Have a plan of action for substitution.
h. Do not over criticize players- MAKE IT FUN TO PLAY FOOTBALL!
H. Handling Problems.
a. Be proactive, plan ahead. Have a plan of action for substitution.
b. Explain the decision process of the team.
c. Players need to talk to their position coach, or the head coach on their progress,
role, playing time, or other problems.
d. Players may talk to team captains, unity council members, or coaches with
regard to positive or negative situations on the football team.
e. Explain that feeling upset at times will occur with some players, but
complaining to parents and teammates hurt the team.
f. Open door policy- Important for players to use this policy, or know it’s available
for them. Encourage players to talk.
g. Stay away from gossip. If you are not part of the problem, or part of the
solution—do not say anything.
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I.
Coaching Guidelines
a. Fundamentals MUST BE STRESSED throughout the program (7-12). Everyone
must teach proper blocking & tackling along with all football fundamentals.
Practices will consist of warm-up, individual technique, group session (inside
run/skelly, etc.) and team periods.
b. Defensively, everyone will run our Varsity base defense (4-2-5) and stunts
incorporated. Our philosophy is simple: Play fast, play physical and play free.
That means will align correctly, set the edge, and fly to the ball without
thinking. Zone and man coverage will be taught at all levels.
c. Offensively, everyone will run our Varsity Offense. We are a base shotgun team
with the ability to go under center and run gap scheme plays (power, ctr, trap),
and inside and outside zone. Pin and pulling will be used at all levels, and all
levels will use our terminology and formations – period!
d. Each coach should have a practice schedule made out before starting practice.
My suggestion is that the Middle School staffs should meet once a week to
discuss personnel, implementation of offense/defense/specials teams, weekly
and daily practice schedules and other important matters.
J. Playing Time
a. Middle School - At this level it’s very important to play everyone to promote
football, and to try to give each player a good learning experience.
Fundamentals, teamwork, and basic concepts should be stressed in the
framework of the high school system. The goal should be to start as many
players (in the first half) on offense/defense and special teams as possible. Our
7th and 8th grade teams should have as many players starting either on offense,
defense or special teams. In the second half, coaches can dictate more the
playing time of each player. Coaches always reserve the right to limit playing
time due to lack of effort, missed practices or for other disciplinary reasons.
b. Freshman/Sophomore - Fundamentals, teamwork, and technique will be
stressed, along with the offensive, defensive and special teams’ philosophies.
This level of competition is primarily for preparing underclassmen to move up in
the program by continually working on skills, technique and concepts. Playing
time will not always be equal, but coaches will try to play as many players as
possible that deserve to play. Emphasis will be stressed on learning the varsity
offensive, defensive and special teams’ schemes. Again, winning is important,
but individual and team improvement are stressed. The goal will to start as
many players as possible in all three phases of the game (O/D/ST).
c. Varsity - Naturally, more emphasis is placed on winning at the varsity level.
Fundamentals, teamwork, skills, concepts, and technique will be stressed.
Learning offensive, defensive, and special teams’ schemes and concepts are very
important. Our coaching staff will expect players to commit to our speed,
strength and conditioning program. Players will be expected to be involved in
camps, passing leagues, and clinics to improve their skill level. Coaches will
evaluate players and the team through daily practices and game-like situations.
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Playing time will not be equal, and will vary from player to player, and possibly
game to game. Our MARION FOOTBALL philosophy will always come first!
K. Off-Season Strength Training
a. OPTIONAL, but STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for the well-being of the student
athlete: Football is a game of violent collisions. You hit and get hit from
every conceivable angle. An effective strength & conditioning program will
minimize (not eliminate) the threat of serious injury. Off-season conditioning
will assist the student athlete to reach their peak strength, speed, agility,
flexibility, and cardiovascular conditioning levels. The sole objective is to
properly prepare your child to best meet the physical demands of playing
football. Weight room hours during the school year will be at the discretion
of the Coaching Staff. Athletes will be taught the core movements and lifts
required for the program. The players will then work through the program
under the supervision of the coaching staff. If corrections need to be made,
the coaches will continue to teach the proper technique and form for the
safety of the athletes.
LEVELS OF COMPETITION
May consist of seniors, juniors, sophomores and
freshmen.
Sophomore - May consist of sophomores, and freshmen.
Freshman Consist of freshman.
Varsity -
Our Coaching Staff will determine the level at which a player
participates. The Head Coach will have the final decision regarding
personnel. Players may play at more than one level.
L. LETTER REQUIREMENTS- To earn a varsity letter in Football at Marion High a player
must me the following criteria.
a. You must attend all practices and games. If you cannot be at a practice/game,
you must clear your absence with the head coach. If you are injured, you are still
required to attend all practices and games if you are physically able. Again, you
must clear your absence with the head coach.
b. To earn a varsity letter in Football, a player must participate in at least one play
in nine different quarters during the season. Seniors who have been part of our
Football program for the last three years who fall short on nine quarters may
letter with the “good standing” with your coaches and teammates.
c. If you are suspended for disciplinary reasons, you are required to practice in all
practices, unless you have been permanently dismissed from the team. If you
played enough to earn a letter prior to suspension, you will lose your letter, or
be dismissed from the team. These decisions will be made by our school
administration and football coaching staff.
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M. TRAINING RULES AND SUGGESTIONS
a. Consumption of tobacco (smoking/chewing tobacco), drugs, or alcohol will not
be tolerated. Players will be judged according to school policy (code of
conduct). Stay away from situations in which illegal activity is taking place
(smoking, drinking, and drug use).
b. All players are expected to be on time for all meetings and practices. Any
unexcused absence may result in being held out of the upcoming game. If you
miss practice, you must notify your head coach (varsity-Coach Lovell). We may
schedule Saturday “shake-outs” or practices, all will be scheduled in advance.
Varsity players will have an afternoon walk-thru/practice during the season on
Mondays during the season. Lifting sessions will be available during the season.
c. If you need to make-up school work, you must notify Coach Lovell, not another
player or coach. You will be expected to come to practice ASAP when your
school work is completed. Please use mornings when possible to make-up
school work.
d. NO HAZING, PERIOD! We expect all our players to respect each other. Hazing
will not be tolerated at any level, and will result in the maximum punishment by
the school administration and football staff.
e. The use of profanity will not be tolerated in school, the locker room, at practice,
or at games.
f. Earrings or any type of jewelry will not be worn during practice or games.
g. Players should be dress appropriately in school, the locker room, weight room
or football functions.
h. Eat balanced meals and get plenty of sleep.
i. Take care of yourself- mentally, morally, and physically.
j. Stay away from other physical activities that could jeopardize your ability to
participate on our team.
k. All players are expected to wear the appropriate football equipment and attire
for practices, games, and team functions. All players will wear the proper game
socks, football shoes, and equipment for all games (no ankle socks will be
allowed for games, only calf-high socks).
l. Practice attire- Practice jersey, Red or Grey shorts, Marion Colored t-shirt under
your shoulder pads, helmet, football shoes, and mouthpiece.
m. Drink plenty of fluids (water, low-calorie sport drinks, etc.) and stay away from
pop as much as possible
n. Each player is responsible for his equipment and locking his locker.
N. TRAVELING TIPS AND DRESS
a. While traveling, we impress everyone with whom we come in contact. Players
will be expected to conduct themselves in the appropriate manner. All team
members will wear the proper attire on our road games. You are responsible for
any trash, or belongings you bring on the bus. If a problem arises regarding
transportation, contact Coach Lovell.
O. CLASSROOM CONDUCT, BEHAVIOR AND GRADES
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a. Each member of the Football Program is vital. Be loyal to your team, school and
community. Focus on being positive. All players are expected to be a positive
role model in the classroom, school, and community. Classroom behavior, study
habits, and performance are a major focus of our team. Playing time may be
effected by failing grades (according to District Policy), or poor student
behavior in the classroom, school setting, or SOCIAL MEDIA. Remember, you
represent the MARION HIGH FOOTBALL TEAM wherever you go, both on and off
the football field. DO NOT LET OUR TEAM DOWN!
P. Expectations of Parents:
a. Our expectations are the same for the parents as they are the student
athletes. Code of Conduct is universal for all those who are a part of the
Program.
b. Social Media use is expected to be done in a way that positively represents
our program, school, and community. Parents are not above the rules and
are expected to set a good example for their players!
Q. Coaching from the sideline
a. This Staff is fully committed to challenging your sons to become the very
best football players they can be. This will involve us getting them to
play/practice outside their comfort zones at times and asking them to
perform skills that they might not be 100% comfortable with. This stress will
ultimately push them through barriers and enable them to maximize their
potential in football. Being out of their comfort zone is one thing, but
coupling that with parental instruction during this time can be detrimental to
the developmental process. Please refrain from giving your coaching advice
during games & practice. A good rule I have found to be true over the past
several years is this: Be a parent and support your son, his teammates, and
coaches.
R. Parent/Coach Communication:
a. Appropriate topics of discussion with Coach
i. The treatment of the athlete mentally & physically
ii. Ways to help the athlete improve
iii. Concerns about the athlete’s behavior
b. Inappropriate topics of discussion with Coach
i. Playing Time
ii. Team Strategy
iii. Play Calling
iv. Other Student-Athletes
v. Discussion demands directly following a game
c. Unique Situations
i. The following procedures should be followed by the parents to help
promote resolution to a unique issue of concern:
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1. Call the Head Coach to set up a time to discuss (if he is not
available go to #2)
2. Call Main Office to set up a meeting with the Head Coach
d. Do not Email the Head Coach or other Staff Members. If it is important to you,
do not email your concerns. Face to face communications is always best and
leaves no room for error.
i. If the parent/coach meeting does not provide satisfactory resolution, a
meeting between the Athletic Director and/or Principal should be set
to discuss the situation.
S. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ALL 7-12 FOOTBALL COACHES
a. You are responsible to the Head Coach for:
i. Philosophy
ii. Equipment- Helping with check-out and check-in.
iii. Evaluation- Varsity- The varsity head coach will do an evaluation of the (712) coaches. All (9-12) assistant coaches will evaluate the head coach as
well.
b. You are responsible to the Administration for:
i. Keys.
ii. Professional conduct.
iii. All players must have a completed physical before practicing, along with
other pertinent concussion and medical forms.
iv. Health and Injury Consent Forms
v. Report any player violations of the student code of conduct or major
discipline problems to the Head Coach, who will inform our Activities
Director.
vi. Be aware of Athletic Procedures and Policies regarding training room,
emergency protocols, concussions, and severe weather.
vii. Provide Parent Letter for situations that may occur during sports
participation.
c. Public Relations
i. Report games to the local paper. Emphasize the score, highlights, and
outstanding efforts.
ii. Turn into to the Head Coach and Activities Director your end of season
report (includes team record, statistics, records broken, and season
summary.
iii. Turn in a list to the Head Coach/Activities Director all players who
finished the football season.
d. Code of Conduct
i. Go over the code of conduct, dangerous situations and player handbook,
with all players.
e. Supervision
i. Coaches must supervise the locker rooms—period. No player will be
allowed to be unsupervised in the locker room or on the football field.
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ii. If players are waiting for rides, a COACH must stay and wait until the
player gets a ride home.
iii. Buses1. Coaches will ride to and from all away games on the bus with the
team.
2. Players must be seated in the bus is in motion.
3. Players must always enter and exit the bus from the front door.
The rear door is only used for emergencies.
4. All players are to ride to and from the game with the team. Any
exceptions require verbal and written request from the parent
and clearance from the activities office.